Do I need a Mac?

No, you do not have to use a Mac to access SUNY Fredonia iTunes U or to produce podcasts.
The iTunes application is the same on the Mac and Windows. The iTunes application
is a free download available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download.

Do I need an iPod?

No, you do not need an iPod to access SUNY Fredonia iTunes U or to produce podcasts.
Podcasts can be downloaded and played back in the iTunes application on your computer.
iTunes is a free download available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/download. Podcasts can be produced using a variety of applications and equipment (both Mac
and PC).

What is a Podcast? What is RSS?

Podcasting is the passive distribution of multimedia content through a subscription
to an RSS feed. Think of it as subscribing to the newspaper. Instead of going to the
grocery store to pick up the newspaper every day, the paper boy now delivers it to
your doorstep. But with most podcasts, subscribing is free! RSS stands for Really
Simple Syndication. It is through the RSS that makes the distribution of the multimedia
content possible. Once you subscribe to a podcast through your iTunes application,
it will check the RSS for updates and download those updates automatically into your
iTunes Library.

What is the difference between an audio podcast file, and enhanced podcast file and
a video podcast (vodcast) file?

An audio podcast file is strictly audio, sound without images or video, and has the
.mp3 or .m4a file type extension.

An enhanced podcast contains audio and still images, and may contain hyperlinks. It
is a nonlinear narrated slideshow where the user can navigate throughout the audio
using the images as chapter marks. Enhanced podcasts have the .m4a file extension

Do I have to request a course each semester, even if it's the same course?

Yes. Because the course has a different CRN from Banner each semester, you will have
to send in a request each semester for your course to be in iTunes U. When the request
is completed you will see the iTunes U nugget on your course homepage.

What kind of training is available to students?

Instructors can request class presentations by the Professional Development Center
on how students can access and use iTunes U. Requests should be made before the start
of the semester or as early in the semester as possible.

Is there podcast production equipment available for loan?

Yes. You can borrow USB microphones, Flip Cams, and a digital video camera from the
Professional Development Center. You must supply your own miniDV tape for the digital
video cameras, which can be found in most office supply stores. This equipment is
for instructor use only, and will not be lent out to students. The loan period for
this equipment will be limited to one week.